Missed chances haunt Glens in cup exit

A series of missed chances saw Glenrothes cruelly knocked out of the East of Scotland on penalties.

The Glens made three changes from last Saturday with Pearson, Moffat and J Gay replacing Greirson, Macbride and Wallace.

In the first minute Glens conceded a foul 22 yards from goal which C Gay saved comfortably, then the Glenrothes defence were caught square and Roberts broke clear for Carnoustie but Griffin cleared off the line.

Glenrothes gained the advantage when in the seventh minute a cross from Sawers was met by Meikle who shot home.

Carnoustie had an opportunity when the Glens conceded a free kick in a dangerous area only for Black to sky the ball over. Kinnes was next to break clear only for his cross to be cleared.

There was now something of an onslaught on the Carnoustie goal with Sawers coming close when his cross just slipped by, and a 25 yarder from Napier was pushed round the post by the keeper.

A superb run by Meikle found J Gay in front of goal but somehow he managed to shoot by the post, whilst another chance fell to Griffin only to see his effort go wide.

At the other end Birmingham got in behind the Glens defence only to see his effort skim the top of the crossbar.

On 44 minutes Glens had a great chance to extend their lead when a cross from Kinnes was met by J Gay but his effort was cleared off the line.

Right on half time the home defence was caught square and Birmingham hammered the ball home for the equaliser.

In the first chance of the second half found Martin racing in on goal but an excellent tackle from Robertson cleared the ball for a corner.

Martin made yet another great break only to see his effort come back off the post, then had another effort cleared off the line.

Carnoustie had a chance when McIlravey forged forward but the Glens defended well and on 75 minutes the visitors thought they had scored but it was ruled offside.

Again Glens were conceding free kicks on the edge of the 18 yard box from which ex Dundee United player Garry Kenneth shot high over the crossbar.

The game was running out of time when an effort from McIlravey was punched over the bar by C Gay.

This was a hard fought game played on a poor surface which the Glens could have won if they had converted their chances but it was now down to penalties, which Carnoustie converted all five penalties with The Glens only getting four on target.

Glens are back to league business next week away to Dundonald Bluebell with a 2.30 KO.